Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins appeared before Cardiff magistrates today (Wednesday), was denied bail and remanded in custody until December 31st over sexual offences against children.

Watkins, 35, of Pontypridd, is one of three people charged following an investigation. He is charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession/distribution of indecent images of children.

Two women, aged 20 and 24, from Doncaster and Bedford, have also been charged with similar offences and all three have been questioned at Cardiff Bay police station, said South Wales Police.

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Mark Hutchings of BBC Radio 5 who was present at the court said: "Ian Watkins faces six charges including conspiracy to rape a child under 13.

"One of the women, aged 20, in case of Ian Watkins is charged with five sex offences. She is NOT charged with conspiracy to rape."

Senior investigating officer Det Insp Peter Doyle said: "Specially-trained staff are available to speak to anyone with concerns or information regarding this investigation and a dedicated telephone number has been set up.

"I want to encourage anyone who has any concerns or information which they think may be relevant to contact us.

"Safeguarding children involved in such cases is always a high priority and as such measures have already been taken."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Operation Globe incident room on 0800 056 0154; or NSPCC on 0800 389 5347; or email operationglobe@south-wales.pnn.police.uk.

Overseas callers are asked to phone 00 44 207 158 0011.

Ian Watkins was a co-founder of Lostprophets in 1997. The band has sold 3.5m albums worldwide and have had a UK number one album with 'Liberation Transmission'.

The most recent album, 'Weapons', was their fifth and released in April this year.

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